Staying Fit & Healthy

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We all know that we feel good when we’re active, eat well, and have enjoyable jobs and social lives. However, we don’t always realize how important good lifestyle choices are for our bodies and brains.
Is it possible, for example, to have “stronger” brains that improve our ability to remember [...]

There are two kinds of vein conditions that most of us are aware of. There are “spider” veins that resemble “granddaddy long legs” and may be unappealing to some who have them. They are strictly a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins—which cause discomfort—are the kind that protrude and can look almost like a rope beneath the skin.Dr. Ray Workman, with Novant [...]

What happens in the body that causes aging? Scientists have discovered a fundamental process of aging in our cells that occurs on the strands of our DNA. This discovery, which won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 2009, is important to our everyday life. Why? The reason is we now know the speed of aging can move faster or slower, [...]

Temperatures will soon begin to drop, and the Summer sun will go into hiding. But the body’s needs will not change, continuing to require activity and movement in order to remain agile and able to meet daily physical demands.
Walking is one of the best ways to meet your needs [...]

Seniors... are you experiencing discomfort when you reach down to tie your shoe? Have you moved items to the lower shelf where reaching them is easier? Are you "giving up" and "giving in" to the limitations that age seems to be bringing?
Flexibility and mobility decrease with age, but exercise [...]

By Barbara Nicklas, PhD Question: I would like to start an exercise program, but I just turned 73 and I'm afraid that I'm "too old." Can a man or woman in their 70's really benefit from starting a regular exercise program? Answer: Exciting new research show that it is never too late to start enjoying regular exercise. A recent study [...]

Sleep apnea can be a gateway to heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Julian Parra knew something wasn’t right when he began waking up several times a night gasping for air. He also noticed that he felt unusually tired and sleepy at work and during the day. At age 39, he suspected he might have sleep apnea because his dad has [...]

Seniors, look again! Is everything in order? You might have balanced your checkbook and paid off the balance of open accounts, but if you're weak on your feet and struggling on the stairs, you may have neglected the one most significant part of staying independent...good physical balance.
Good balance [...]

Todd McDiarmid, MD, holds advanced certification in family medicine and geriatrics. He practices at the Cone Health Family Medicine Center. Our changing memory is a normal part of aging. Just as we have different amounts of reserves in our body that help us cope with aging or illness, we also have different amounts of memory reserves that help us deal [...]

Sometimes the most difficult part of exercise and being active is staying motivated. You might be too busy, or just not feel up to it. But even if you take a short break, you can get moving again. Here are a few ways to help you fit some activity into your day. Make a plan Having an exercise plan can [...]